Expectations and Responsibilities

Expectations and Responsibilities

Our Teacher’s Expectations and Responsibilities

Provide each student with the personal attention and respect necessary to develop his/her individual talents.

Guide each student to a greater understanding and enjoyment of music.

Guide each student towards an awareness of his/her capabilities – clearly communicating short-term and long-term goals. This may be verbal or written communication.

Encourage a feeling of success at each student’s individual rate of learning.

Guide each student towards Musical Independence and Initiative through a balanced program of theory, technique and repertoire.

Theory: Studying the foundations of music.

Technique: The physical mechanics of playing piano.

Repertoire: A list of pieces to be learned.

Report the progress of the student to the parent, listen to any concerns and answer any questions that the parent and student may have.

Student Expectations and Responsibilities

Schedule 15-30 minutes of practice each day for at least five days per week (if taking private lessons). Two of those days must include the day of and following the lesson. Remember: playing is not practicing!

Complete all assignments the teacher has written down in the student’s lesson notebook. Practice steps are included verbally in the lesson, along with being written in the lesson notebook.

Review carefully any suggestions or instructions given in the previous lesson.

Arrive promptly at your lesson time or two minutes early (if the teacher does not pick the student up from their classroom). If you arrive five minutes late, your lesson is five minutes shorter. You reserve the time slot, not the number of minutes.

If questions arise, be sure to ask your teacher questions during lessons; they want you to understand your assignment and expectations in regards to practicing for the week.

Parent Expectations and Responsibilities

Support the fulfillment of your child’s responsibilities. Consistency is the key to learning a musical instrument.

Encourage progress. Many small steps throughout the year yield big results!

Remind your son/daughter of daily practice and help them to schedule this practice time in their daily routine.

Provide a practice environment that is free from interruptions (family, friends, TV, computer or phone).

Communicate with the teacher about any questions or concerns you have regarding the student, music, practicing, festivals, recitals or lesson content.

Books

Parents with children in the Royal Conservatory examination levels may purchase their child’s music books at one of several locations which will be provided by their child’s music teacher, along with a book list, when new books are required. Music Learning for Kids will cover all beginner music books.